Focus: Describing traditions and expressing opinions.
Fact Check: Write down two ways that the Celtic people celebrated Samhain over 2,000 years ago.
Making Connections: Explain briefly how the ancient tradition of wearing animal skins and masks turned into modern-day "trick-or-treating".
Your Opinion: Which of the old Samhain traditions do you find the most interesting? Give a reason for your answer.
Focus: Describing traditions and explaining meaning.
The 5 Ks: The Five Ks are important symbols of faith for the Khalsa. Choose one of the 5 Ks (Kesh, Kara, Kanga, Kachera, or Kirpan), describe what it is, and explain why you think it might help a Sikh remember their faith every day.
The K I have chosen is: __________________
What it is: ______________________________________________________
Why it helps them remember their faith: __________________________
Equality in Action: Vaisakhi celebrates equality (the idea that everyone is equal). Describe what happens in the Langar (dining room) at the Gurdwara and explain how this shows equality.
Focus: Expressing opinions and comparing traditions.
Quick Summary: What does "Eid ul-Fitr" mean, and what are Muslims celebrating at this time?
Thinking Deeper: Before going to the mosque, Muslims give Zakat al-Fitr (a charity donation) so everyone can join in the celebrations. Why do you think giving to others is an important way to celebrate a religious festival?
Comparison: Think about Eid ul-Fitr and a celebration you have at home (like a birthday, New Year, or another festival). Write down one similarity between how Eid is celebrated and how your chosen festival is celebrated.
Focus: Describing stories and expressing values.
The Story: Diwali celebrates the "victory of good over evil." In your own words, briefly explain how the story of Rama and Sita shows good defeating evil.
The Symbolism: Why do Hindus place small oil lamps (diyas) in their windows and doors during Diwali?
Your Opinion: If you were to light a lamp to represent something positive you want to bring into the world (for example: kindness, hope, knowledge, peace), what would it represent and why?
Focus: Summarising and comparing traditions.
The Miracle: In your own words, explain "the miracle of the oil" that happened when the Maccabees rededicated the temple.
Food and Memory: Why do Jewish people eat fried foods, like potato pancakes and doughnuts, during Hanukkah?
Comparison: Both Hanukkah and Diwali are known as "Festivals of Light." Look back at Lesson 4 and Lesson 5. Write down one similarity and one difference between the two festivals.
Focus: Describing traditions and creating meaning.
Showing Respect: Write down three things Buddhists might do to celebrate Wesak and show respect to the Buddha.
Creative Thinking: During Wesak, some people release caged birds to represent "letting go of troubles." If you could invent a simple tradition or action to show "letting go of your worries," what would it be and why?
Focus: Consolidating learning and expressing opinions.
The Date: The Bible does not give a specific date for Jesus' birth. Explain why Pope Julius I likely chose the 25th of December for Christmas.
Unit Review - Your Opinion: You have now learned about Samhain/Halloween, Vaisakhi, Eid-ul-Fitr, Diwali, Hanukkah, Wesak, and Christmas. If you could attend one of these festival celebrations to learn more about it in person, which one would you choose and why?